iPad Mini Rumor: Next Version to have Retina Display?

Citing an unnamed Taiwan-based backlighting industry source, Digitimes reported that the next-generation iPad mini will focus mostly on enhancing the device's display resolution. Though iPad mini was well received by the Apple crazy tech world, the biggest complaint was about the device's screen, which does not have a Retina resolution like Apple's larger iPad.

"The sources have yet to specify whether the device will use Apple's Retina Display technology to enhance resolution, but market observers said it is highly likely based on the development of past Apple products such as the iPhone and 9.7-inch iPad series," the report said.

If iPad mini is to use Apple's current Retina Display technology as per the report, it will have a 2058 by 1536 resolution and 326ppi. The report further quoted the source as saying that Apple will restructure the lighting of the next-generation 9.7-inch iPad from two LED light bars to one in order to decrease the device's overall weight. However, in the event of retina display technology coming to iPad mini, the device would require a large battery and a more robust processor.

Meanwhile, an earlier CNET report suggested that iPad Mini could well be on its way to eclipsing the Retina iPad. "iPad Mini apparently is selling better than the new iPad 4 despite a relatively low-resolution non-Retina display and older silicon than the iPad 4," DisplaySearch analyst David Hsieh was quoted in the report. "In 2013, it is likely that Apple will adjust its product portfolio to meet the strong demand for the iPad Mini. We believe that Apple is targeting total iPad shipments of 100 million in 2013, half accounted for by the iPad Mini," Hsieh said.